With federal agencies commitments being uncertain and wavering, many researchers as well as emerging drug and device developers are struggling to find funding or to continue projects. At the same time, academia is struggling as federal funding is also being scaled back. States such as Maryland and Massachusetts are attempting to help bridge the gap by working with industry, investors, and academia to keep innovation going. This session will explore how academic institutions are attempting to not only do drug discoveries but also become clinical research sites. As the industry adapts to the new landscape, is collaboration between state, academia, and the industry the most viable way forward?